The One Big Thing Left Out Of Every General Home Inspection.
Here’s a hint it costs twice as much as a furnace and is not even looked at during the inspection!
Let’s get to the root of one of the most important and expensive systems that you cannot live without that is NOT being inspected during a General Home Inspection.
I cannot think of too many things worse than shortly after moving into your new home you discover that you need to spend $9,000 – $20,000 and have your whole yard destroyed to fix a Sewer Pipe! Your first question will be:
“Why wasn’t this found during the General Home Inspection?”
Because even when the pipe is 90% blocked it is virtually impossible to discover during a visual only General Home Inspection.
The General Home Inspection is a great tool for everyone involved in a Real Estate Transaction and should be done on every home. But it doesn’t quite cover all the basics. Anyone would agree that an intact Sewer Pipe is one of those basic necessities of a home.
“So why isn’t this pipe looked at during a General Home Inspection?”
A General Home Inspection is a non invasive visual only inspection. A Sewer Scope Inspection is performed when a camara snake is inserted into the pipe and is fished down to the tap at the city main or the septic tank. This is the only way to inspect this pipe. Specialized training, equipment, certification & insurance is required to perform these types of inspections. Some home inspectors offer a Sewer Scope Inspection as an add on service while others do not.
“Is the sewer line looked at during a Septic Inspection?”
No, the underground sewer lateral pipe is not visually inspected as part of a septic inspection. Many things can be wrong with a sewer line and water will still flow through it during a septic inspection. A Sewer Scope Inspection is the only way to inspect this pipe.
“What about New Homes?”
One of the most common defects found in a new homes Sewer Line is a sagging or incorrectly pitched pipe. This type of defect will not rear its head until a few years of living in the home. By then the builders warranty is up and the homeowner is left holding the bag.
Let’s Put This Into Perspective
Here is a list of some common big ticket items and typical replacement costs for an average home. I have noted if they are included or not in a General Home Inspection (as defined by ASHI & InterNACHI Standards).
Health & Safety …………………. $Priceless —– Inspected
Structure ………………………….$Varies —– Inspected
Basement Waterproofing ………..$16,000 —– Inspected
New Sewer Line ………………… $12,000 —– Not Included
New Roof ………………………… $9000 —– Inspected
New Furnace ……………..… …. $6500 —– Inspected
New Electrical Panel ……………. $1200 —– Inspected
Radon Mitigation …………..…… $1100 —– Not Included
Water Heater ……………………. $1000 —– Inspected
It’s easy to see that the Sewer Lateral Line represents one of the biggest potential liabilities for any homebuyer.
How Do Homebuyers Protect Themselves?
It’s simple, when purchasing or building a home always have a Sewer Scope Inspection done by a reputable, licensed inspector who is certified to perform sewer scope inspections.
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